The revived Eclipse Aerospace has targeted Brazil as an early sales opportunity.
The upgraded EA500 Total Eclipse completed certification with the Brazilian national aircraft authority (ANAC) on 25 July, and a demonstration tour of the jet is planned for later next year, says Leandro Agostini, president and chief executive of AirStream Aviation, the local distributor for Eclipse.
Four sales positions for the Total Eclipse have been secured from customers in Brazil, Agostini adds.
The Total Eclipse upgrades the EA500 to increase its ceiling to 41,000ft (12,500m) and give it a 20,000-cycle airframe and anti-icing protection. It precedes certification of an all-new aircraft called the EA550, which adds auto-throttles and synthetic vision among other upgrades.
As the Brazilian distributor, AirStream is targeting current piston-powered aircraft owners who want a faster aircraft, he says. Bradesco has agreed to offer leasing and financing, along with factory-direct financing from Eclipse Aerospace, Agostini says.
Source: Flight International
